Over 100 Arrested During Human Trafficking Operation in Florida

104 arrests made during major undercover sting operation, Sheriff reveals

Polk County Sheriff's Office announced the major bust that saw over 100 arrested

Polk County Sheriff's Office announced the success of a major undercover Human Trafficking operation this week, that saw 104 people arrested in Florida.

Detectives led a six-day Human Trafficking sting from November 27 to December 2.

The operation focused on prostitutes posting online advertisements for sex as well as "johns" looking women and underage girls on the Internet.

Undercover detectives created fake profiles on social media platforms and posted ads online using websites, and mobile phone applications, posing as prostitutes, underage girls, or those soliciting prostitutes.

Some of the detectives found profiles and online ads posted by prostitutes and responded to them.

The number of those arrested has risen to 104 since Sheriff Judd announced the human trafficking sting

Charges for those arrested include soliciting another for prostitution, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution, transporting to building for prostitution and using a communication device to commit a felony.

"We conduct these kinds of investigations because of the link between prostitution, human trafficking, drug crimes, economic crimes such as burglary and fraud, and violent crime.

"We have learned over many years that when we pay attention to public order and quality of life crimes such as prostitution, we can reduce and prevent other crimes while strengthening the community.

"Prostitution is not a victimless crime.

"From the spread of disease, destruction of families, and to the scourge of human trafficking, prostitution is bad for our community.

"In some cases, children and women are forced to prostitute while under the control of pimps.

"We remain committed to fighting human trafficking by arresting those who engage in prostitution and trying to identify human trafficking victims.

"Our goal is to change the lives of those who are feeling trapped in this horrific lifestyle." - Grady Judd, Sheriff